Master of Sustainable Energy

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to develop professionals who are capable of conceptualising, planning, and managing sustainable energy projects in the context of developing economies. The qualification adopts a multi-disciplinary approach by incorporating the content that involves Sustainable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency and Green Buildings, Sustainable Energy Governance and economics in the sustainable energy sector.

As advanced theoretical and analytical concepts are essential requirements for the development of sustainable solutions and applications to energy-related problems, this qualification has been designed with a comprehensive module and research component. The modules will equip graduates with specialised theoretical foundations and critical thinking skills for innovative application of knowledge. As such, it is anticipated that this qualification will produce well-versed, academically robust, adept and mature professionals with analytical and astute leadership capabilities, who will be expediently responsive to the needs of the industry and modern society.

Rationale

The need to develop skills that support the South African government's drive towards a greener and more sustainable energy system cannot be overemphasised. The absence of a Master's qualification in this area deprives all interested parties within and outside of the institution (graduates and working professionals within the Gauteng region and beyond) of an opportunity to acquire the needed advanced knowledge and skills in an area of such importance to the region, country and continent. The Master of Sustainable Energy qualification will fill this gap and provide an opportunity for graduates and professionals in related fields (engineers, project developers, financiers and public officials) to advance their knowledge and grow their careers in the field of sustainable energy development.

No university in the Gauteng region currently offers a Master's qualification focused on sustainable energy. Only two other universities in the country offer comparable qualifications. Both universities offer two versions of the qualification, i.e. one where the focus is more on the engineering aspects of sustainable energy technologies, and another for students without an engineering background where the focus is more on the theoretical underpinning of energy as it affects development and governance.

The Master of Sustainable Energy qualification is, therefore, unique as it combines key elements of engineering and non-engineering aspects of sustainable energy with the main focus being to provide students with the practical knowledge required to develop and manage sustainable energy projects. Through this qualification, the institution will enhance its capacity to contribute to the national objectives, which are geared towards the development of scarce skills, energy infrastructure planning and management to support local and national socio-economic growth.

The qualification is designed to target graduates with interests in sustainable energy development and/or management. Stakeholders include public and private sector participants in the energy sector, covering rural and industrial applications. The associated careers require advanced and specialised analytical capabilities and, as such, the qualification has been carefully designed to equip graduates with the knowledge required to assess, conceptualise, plan, develop and manage sustainable energy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The university's RPL policy stipulates that any persons who wish to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by RPL could either approach the institution in person or in writing. They may need advice and counselling before applying for RPL or else could be familiar with the process and require no further support.

The RPL process is lengthy and time-consuming. Those who wish to be considered for RPL must be advised to apply to the university one year in advance of the admissions date, to allow for timeous completion of all processes, including Senate approval prior to registration. In the case of this qualification, all communication will be conducted online/via electronic means.

The RPL process comprises the following

The applicant's RPL needs can be discussed with the RPL Officer in the Student Enrolment Centre (SEC) to choose a relevant faculty/department/qualification. An information booklet should be obtained. The student must be referred to the relevant Faculty RPL Officer.

The applicant's RPL needs are discussed with the Faculty RPL Officer who will explain the RPL process. An application form is provided which is completed and submitted to the Faculty RPL Officer. The Faculty RPL Officer will contact the applicant on the success of the first screening of the RPL application.

Alternatively, the applicant can submit a formal RPL application. More information on the appropriate faculty/department can be obtained. The relevant Faculty RPL Officer can be contacted to make an appointment, or a RPL application form can be completed (available on the university's web) and submitted to the Faculty RPL Officer for a first screening of the RPL application.

If the first screening of the application was successful, a formal assessment of prior learning and existing skills is done. An appointment is made with the Faculty RPL Officer (including the head of the department and/or relevant lecturer(s)) to discuss the type of assessment, evidence required, timeframe and available support, etc.

A formal assessment is completed in the academic department. These assessments will be electronic in nature and the process will be tailored to suit the needs of online applicants, as per the institution's policy. The candidate is informed if the application is successful or not, based on the formal assessment of prior knowledge and existing skills. If the application is successful, the candidate may complete an application form to apply for a place in the chosen qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirement to this qualification is either a

• Bachelor Honours Degree in Engineering Sciences, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor Honours Degree in Social Sciences, Level 8.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 and elective modules at Levels 8 and 9 totalling 200 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 9: 150 Credits

• Sustainable Energy Technologies, 30 Credits.
• Energy Efficiency and Green Buildings, 30 Credits.
• Sustainable Energy Systems Modelling, 30 Credits.
• Mini Dissertation, 60 Credits.

Elective modules (Choose two): 50 Credits

• Energy Economics, Level 8, 25 Credits.
• International Geographical Aspects of Energy, Level 8, 25 Credits.
• Sustainable Energy Policy and Regulation, Level 9, 25 Credits.
• Energy and Development, Level 9, 25 Credits.

1. Analyse and develop sustainable energy projects creatively and innovatively by applying relevant fundamental and applied knowledge.
2. Plan and manage sustainable energy research projects demonstrating underlying fundamental knowledge, understanding and insight into the principles, methodologies and concepts that constitute socially responsible (vis-�-vis all local and other communities) research/development in the chosen field of research practice.
3. Work independently or with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community, or in multidisciplinary environments in the chosen field of research within the scope of sustainable energy.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with relevant professionals and particularly with research audiences and communities at large in so far as they are affected by the research, using appropriate structure, style and graphical support.
5. Employ various learning strategies and skills to master the outcomes required in preparing to engage in continuous learning to keep abreast of knowledge and skills in sustainable planning, development and management of sustainable energy.
6. Demonstrate cultural and aesthetic sensitivity with regard to the socio-economic impact of the execution of sustainable research activities where applicable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse barriers to higher energy efficiency and offer resolutions.
• Apply design processes and methodologies for renewable energy systems correctly to new situations in the form of current case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critique the relationship between development and socially renewable energy projects.
• Identify failures in sustainable energy projects correctly and provide alternate socially acceptable solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Utilise the correct collection of data and community engagement to produce an independent research project that is coherently and factually constructed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Collect and communicate the research project ethically.
• Produce a report that accurately reflects and reports on the information gathered.
• Produce a coherent and well-referenced report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Produce a research report that contains current, well-researched evidence and case studies to inform the research topic.
• Use methodology in the correct manner to produce the report and support the findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify correctly, and discuss, physical and geo-political factors affecting current and future internationally traded energy.
• Research and critique Social Impact Assessments.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment will be applied as per the university's Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Studies Policy: Policy, Administrative Structures, Administrative Regulations and Procedures as outlined below.

The assessment process and the submission of outcomes to the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee (FHDC) and Senate Higher Degrees Committee (SHDC) will be considered. Depending on Faculty Regulations, an oral component may also be stipulated as part of the requirement for completion of a higher Degree.

Any Master's Degree can only be awarded after the successful completion of every requirement of each component of the respective Degree, including the successful submission of a research-based dissertation or thesis, or by the successful assessment of the candidate's achievements in each relevant module together with a successfully completed mini dissertation, as determined by the relevant faculty regulations in the faculty calendar or academic information brochure.